SAMPLING EXPECTED TO RISE IN THE FUTURE According to Clint Nester, the growing interest in precision ag – both for environmental as well as financial reasons – will fuel growth in zone sampling going forward.

GET INTO THE ZONE GRID ZONE GRID Grid management is built around soil test data. A field is divided into, say, 5-acre squares and a soil sample is taken from the centre of each. ZONE Zone management incorporates yield data, imagery, possibly EC testing, etc., to construct productivity zones, which govern how to manage the field. Zones are a function of soil attributes plus environmental conditions that determine yield.

SOIL SAMPLING SECRETS FROM THE EXPERTS The proliferation of precision ag practices across North America is pushing more and more growers to begin soil testing – and those who already are, to ramp up their efforts. A common question they encounter: Which is better, grid sampling or zone? Our experts outline the pros and cons of each... and uncover some surprising middle ground along the way.

Step 1: Pre-Harvest Any effort you spend prior to harvest making sure your system is working well will be worth it. First, make sure sensors, cables and GPS receivers are all up and running. In addition, make sure you’ve done any recent updates required for your yield monitoring system.